Jesus is Essential
John 19:23–24: Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.
“When they had crucified Jesus.” No Gospel writer describes the death of Christ. There are things about the Cross and the Crucifixion that are hidden from us. God pulls down a veil on many of the details. Darkness covered the land so the people couldn’t see. First of all, God is not going to give us morbid details simply to satisfy our idle curiosity.
Secondly, there was a transaction between the Father and the Son taking place there. It was a transaction for the sins of the world, which is beyond our comprehension. The only thing that we can do is to accept by faith the forgiveness that is made ours through Christ’s death on the Cross. That is the only way you and I will ever penetrate that darkness, my friend. Apparently His garment is a peasant’s garment but a good one. Someone had made it for Him. The soldiers cast lots for it—shot dice at the foot of the Cross. Although these Romans do not know it, they are fulfilling the Scriptures: “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” 1
Walking with Jesus
Never make money off of Jesus. Serve Him and His family without the thought of personal gain. Not for financial gain, nor for any personal recognition. Give, not get.
They divide My garments, And for My clothing they cast lots. Psalm 22:18
Crucifixion was the world’s darkest day; resurrection was its brightest day.
Praying
Lord, thank You that because of You, I live my life on the resurrected side of the cross.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
